Between missed rent, service costs, court costs, and possible property damage, the consequences of making a mistake in tenant screening can prove to be a very costly mistake, especially if a tenant must be evicted.

So what does evicting a non-paying tenant in Connecticut cost? In the best of times, non-COVID times, a speedy eviction can take 2 – 3 months and cost $4,500 – $6,500 (assuming $1500/mo rent, attorneys fees, Marshall’s fees, and court costs). That’s if everything is handled correctly to the letter of the law and the courts are not backed up with cases.

The long-term success of a rental property is determined by the quality of the tenant selection process. At Bassett Property Management, we bridge the gap between high-volume marketing and high-quality placement by applying a rigorous, standardized set of qualifications to every applicant. Our process is designed to find stable, responsible residents who treat your investment as their home while ensuring full compliance with Fair Housing regulations.

Our selection criteria are built on three pillars: financial stability, residential history, and personal accountability. We require a verifiable gross household income that is at least three times the monthly rent, ensuring that tenants have a comfortable financial cushion to meet their obligations. This is verified through a combination of recent pay stubs, tax returns, or official offer letters, providing a clear picture of the applicant’s current financial standing.

We believe that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance. That is why our qualification process includes an exhaustive review of residential history spanning at least three years. We don’t just look for an absence of evictions; we proactively contact previous landlords to verify payment punctuality, property care, and lease compliance. By requiring positive, verifiable references, we filter for tenants who have demonstrated a consistent respect for the properties they inhabit.

Creditworthiness is another essential component of our evaluation. While we look for a solid credit history, we specifically analyze reports for “red flags” such as unpaid utility bills, recent collections, or a history of late payments that could signal future risk. Every adult applicant undergoes this comprehensive background check, which also includes a review of criminal records and public filings to ensure the safety and harmony of the community.

Transparency is at the heart of our selection philosophy. We provide all prospective tenants with these clear qualification guidelines upfront, which naturally filters the applicant pool for those most likely to succeed. Once a candidate meets these high standards, we move swiftly to secure the holding deposit and execute a professional lease agreement. For the property owner, this means a streamlined transition from vacancy to occupancy, backed by the confidence that your property is in reliable hands.